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Michiana council approves up to $40,000 for park lawn overhaul and greenbelt improvements; green-space cameras authorized
Summary
The Village of Michiana approved up to $40,000 to install irrigation, regrade and hydroseed the park lawn and agreed to install security cameras funded up to $8,000 after recent vandalism. The work will close the seeded area until spring; playground and courts remain accessible via alternate entrances.
The Village of Michiana council voted Sept. 6 to fund a major renovation of the village park lawn and to add security cameras around village property.
Council member Mike Mumper presented two contractor proposals — Down to Earth for $19,000 and Serviscape for $20,260 — to install irrigation, regrade and hydroseed the park. Mumper moved to approve the work not to exceed $40,000; Tim McCarthy seconded and the motion passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote. Council said the seeded area will be fenced off and closed until spring to allow the grass to take root; the playground and pickleball court will remain open with temporary access from Cherokee and the basketball area.
Mumper said an anonymous resident has pledged a substantial donation to the project; he said the council will combine that gift with budgeted capital-improvement funds. The council asked visitors to stay out of fenced areas while the lawn establishes.
Separately, Tim McCarthy moved to hire Omni Systems to install security cameras around the village and park for up to $8,000 after citing prior vandalism to park property; Brian Cassidy seconded and the motion passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote. “It is sad that we have to do this but we have a great investment in the park and hall and have had some vandalism already,” McCarthy said to explain the measure.
Tree Board chair Nancy Thill reported that trees purchased through a grant will be planted Sept. 24 and that the Tree Board must submit spending paperwork by Sept. 30; the board’s grant completion date is Sept. 1, 2025. Thill also noted Arbor Day celebrations scheduled for Oct. 5 at 11:00 a.m. The council asked staff to coordinate planting locations with the park renovation schedule.
The council’s approvals are administrative actions to proceed with contracted work and equipment purchases; no additional permits or separate bond authorizations were discussed. The council said staff and project leads will oversee implementation and temporary fencing to protect seeded areas.
